The inaugural WalesOnline Diversity and Inclusion Awards brought to you by WalesOnline, North Wales Live and BusinessLive are live for 2022 and we are honoured to recognise our diversity and inclusion champions across Wales.

The awards run by Reach plc, in association with our titles WalesOnline, North Wales Live and BusinessLive will recognise those going above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion. We want to share your stories and celebrate outstanding champions and initiatives across Wales.

Our independent judging panel are looking to hear about individuals, groups and initiatives which are making a positive social impact, whether that's in gender equality, LGBTQ+, disability, race and ethnicity, social mobility as well as wellbeing and mental health. They will also be looking to recognise CSR initiatives across Wales and celebrate peer networks, inclusive advertising campaigns, diversity in tech, specialist diversity and inclusion businesses, diversity and inclusion podcasts.

We heard from some of our judging panel about the importance of the awards.

Dr Julie Humphreys, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Reach Plc
"I am honoured to be judging the inaugural WalesOnline Diversity and Inclusion Awards and excited to recognise and honour all the individuals, groups and initiatives working hard to deliver change across Wales. Change can often be met with resistance, that's why it's important that we stop and celebrate people's determination and courage to make the world a fairer place."

Debbie Forster MBE, CEO, Tech Talent Charter
“These awards are an important opportunity to showcase all the great and important work done by those who are driving inclusion and diversity in Wales. I look forward to the very difficult and ultimately humbling job of judging these inspiring entries.”

Dr Elin Haf Davies, CEO, Aparito
“In today’s world where it seems to be at risk of falling apart at the seams, we need more than ever to be able to celebrate our differences and not feel threatened by the opportunity to include everyone at the table. Role models matter, celebrating them matter even more. I’m proud to be championing this for Wales and beyond.”

Christopher Kenna, CEO, Brand Advance Group
“It is the responsibility of us all in society to ensure we push the DEI agenda across all parts of business and society - the Wales Online Diversity and Inclusion Awards are one way to ensure this happens. Being nominated will show both your teams and the rest of Wales that you are working together to build an inclusive society full of the fantastic difference that diversity brings. I'm very proud to be part of this journey and very much look forward to meeting all these trail blazers and change makers.”

 Jenny Garrett OBE
“It's an honour to be a judge for the inaugural WalesOnline Diversity and Inclusion Awards which aim to recognise our diversity and inclusion champions across Wales. There are so many unsung heroes who go above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion, and I can't wait to shine a light on their efforts and impact.”

Bernie Davies LLB Hons CLE
"The diversity I would like to create is one of heart, one of love, one of healing, one of togetherness - not one of separation, nor anger, hatred, accusation and wagging of the finger. The work I do is all about that collective. It’s that understanding that diversity isn’t just about colour for a lot of us. I believe this Wales Online Diversity and Inclusion Awards embodies that spirit and so I am very proud to be a Sponsor."

The inaugural awards will culminate in a glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 13th July 2022 at Cardiff City Stadium hosted by Capital South Wales' Josh Andrews & Kally Davies, where we will celebrate all of our finalists and announce our winners. The evening will begin with a sparkling drinks reception with entertainment from Songbirds Choir, followed by a three course dinner with entertainment from Ify Iwobi and then the reveal of this year’s winners. We will also be hearing from our keynote speaker, Daniel Biddle. Following the awards it is time to network, celebrate and party the night away listening to the Ify Iwobi Band! Tickets to attend the awards are available to purchase now.